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MI looked to be the firm favorites entering into the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. However, the defending champions have struggled in this season. MI has played 5 matches, managing to win only 2 of them. Owing to this, MI currently sit at no 4 in the IPL 2021 points table. That said, here are 3 key reasons why MI have struggled to find form in IPL 2021 so far:
3. MI failed to adapt to the playing conditions in Chennai
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, IPL 2021 is being played at neutral venues. While teams such as CSK and RR have adapted to different playing conditions, MI have failed to do so. The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has been a complete mystery for the Men in Blue. Furthermore, MI lack depth in their spin bowling, and Krunal Pandya is struggling to deliver with the ball. In the batting order, only Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have shown signs of consistency. None of the MI middle order batsmen looked comfortable against spin bowling. With MI’s next games hosted at Delhi, it is uncertain how the 5 time IPL champions will fare in their upcoming matches.
2. MI have struggled to scalp wickets in the powerplay overs
MI bowled brilliantly in the powerplay overs in the IPL last year. However, MI have failed to replicate a similar performance in the IPL this year. In their 1st game of IPL 2021, MI scalped 2 wickets in the powerplay overs. However, in the next 2 games, MI failed to scalp a single wicket. In their most recent 2 matches, MI have picked only 2 wickets in the powerplay overs. MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are struggling to find inroads in the early overs. If MI want to retain their IPL trophy, they need their bowlers to scalp wickets in the powerplay overs.
1. MI’s middle batting order have struggled to make an impact
MI’s middle order has been one of their most invaluable assets since the last 2 years. However, this year, MI’s middler order has looked shaky and inconsistent at best. Ishan Kishan has amassed just 73 runs in 5 matches so far. Kieron Pollard is also struggling with the bat, with just 65 runs in 5 matches so far. Hardik Pandya has failed to make an impact, amassing a meagre 36 runs in 5 matches. MI needs its middle order to fire if they want to win the IPL for a record 6th time.